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Operation: Passing Out Test Exercise
Date: 16th February 1943 (Tuesday)
Unit: No. 7 Elementary Flying Training School. 51 Group
Type: Tiger Moth II
Serial: DE461
Code: -
Base: RAF Desford, Leicestershire
Location: Sutton Cheney
Pilot (Inst): Fl/Lt. Vaughan Göthrik Welsby Engström 41687 RAF Age 29. Killed
Pilot (U/T): Sgt. Walter Donald Williamson R/131709 RCAF Age 20. Killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
Taking off on a passing-out test exercise for Sgt. Williamson at about 11:50 hrs.
The aircraft stalled off a steep climbing turn and crashed near Sutton Cheney, some 4 miles west south west of the airfield at 13:05 hrs, killing both of the crew.
Investigators considered the engine cut out at the top of the turn.
Note: Vaughan Engström was injured during a forced landing of Blenheim IV R3692. All the crew were made PoW, and Vaughn was repatriated to England. Further details on that operation.
Burial and other details:
Both airmen were buried in a joint funeral on the 20th of February 1943.
Fl/Lt. Vaughan Göthrik Welsby Engström. Ibstock Cemetery. Row W 3. Grave 1. Born on the 09th August 1913 in Rangitumau. Educated at Wairarapa High School. A partner in McGregor Brothers, tobacco merchants in Masterton. Served in the territorial army from 1931-1934. Selected for a short service commission in the RAF by 10 November 1938 and embarked for England on the 19th November 1938 - arriving on the 23rd December 1938. No. 4 Elementary Reserve Flying Training School on the 28th December 1938. With No. 3 Flying Training School 20th March 1939. The pilot badge was awarded on the 23rd of September 1939 and joined 108 squadron. 101 squadron on the 23rd November 1939 flying the Blenheim. Instructor course 01st January - 23rd February 1940.
Joined 139 squadron on the 16th May 1940. 40 squadron 24th May 1940 and carried out 5 operational sorties. Injured when shot down and made a forced landing on the 06th June 1940 in France. At RAF Hospital Uxbridge on the 10th June 1940. Central Examination Board as staff examiner on the 04th November 1940. With 12 Service Flying Training School as navigator instructor on the 18th August 1941. No. 11 Elementary Flying Training School and No. 5 Flying Instructor School 20th December 1941. No. 7 Elementary Flying Training School as an instructor on the 01st March 1942. A total of 772 flying hours had been logged
Son of Carl Göthrick Engström (Served in the South African war. Died 12th July 1929, age 62) and Ellen Mabel Engstrom (née Welsby - died 23rd October 1945, age 60). Husband of Hilda Engstrom (née Bennett) of Matlock, Derbyshire and father of 1-month-old twin daughters at the time of his death. Epitaph: 'God My God'.
Sgt. Walter Donald Williamson. Ibstock Cemetery. Row V.3. Grave 3. Born on the 04th January 1923 in Leader, Saskatchewan, Canada. Educated at Carbon High School. Worked as a telegraph operator for Canadian Pacific Railway. Enlisted in November 1941. Awarded his wings on the 19th November 1942 at Dauphin, Manitoba. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Williamson of Carbon, Alberta, Canada.
Card reads: 'Ibston Branch Royal British Legion'.
Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot, thanks to the extensive research by Errol Martyn and his publications: “For Your Tomorrow Vols. 1-3”, Auckland Library Heritage Collection, Weekly News of New Zealand, Air Museum of New Zealand, Museum of Transport and Technology, Auckland, other sources as quoted below:
KTY 21-08-2022
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Last Modified: 21 August 2022, 11:10